a few good lines >> for 18 months he's been running on this tax plan, and now five weeks before the election he's saying his big bold idea is never mind. >> reporter: but romney came out strong, essentially taking over as the president seemed to wilt. >> a deduction for taking a plan overseas? i've been in business for 25 years. i have no idea what you're talking about. >> reporter: critics say obama seemed meek, took too many punches and did not go after romney when he had the chance. today he was trying to rebound, accusing mitt romney of dishonesty. >> the real mitt romney has been running around the country for the last year promising $5 trillion in tax cuts that favor the wealthy. the fellow last night said he didn't know anything about that. >> reporter: romney made a surprise appearance at a conservative political action committee. >> i know this is going to be a close-fought battle. we need to win colorado. if we do, we're going to take back the white house. >>> the latest on the giants' off-day workout. and two of the 49ers' division rivals go ahead hundred dollar to head. >>> footb